Outlining device



Nov. 8, 1932.

s. M. WATSON 1,886,768

OUTLINING DEVICE Filed Feb. 25, 1929 INVENTOR i 9 BY 15 ATTO R N EYS Patented Nov. 8, 1932 UNITED sr STEWART M. WATSON, or" JAcKson, lvirciarsen OUTLINING DEVICE The present invention pertains to a device for making outlines for any purpose, but particularly outlines of the human profile, for the purpose of making silhouettes.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive device of this character requiring no complicated or intricate parts and enabling a beginner to make silhouettes successfully and accuratelywithout the exercise of any particular skill or artistic talent.

The nature of the device is such that the board on which the profile is outlined is supported by the body of the subject. or sitter, so that the latter need not remain immovable while the outline is being made, for the board remains stationary with relation to the head of the sitter, even though the latter should move. a

The invention is fully disclosed by way of example in the following description and in the accompanying drawing, in which Figure 1 is a side elevation of a subject with the apparatus applied thereto;

Fig. 2 is a corresponding front elevation;

Fig. 3 is an elevation of the board with the outline of the silhouette produced thereon;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the board; and

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section of the marking instrument.

Reference to these views will now be made by use of like characters which are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout.

The apparatus includes a board 1 of any desirable stiff material and of substantially square configuration, having at one edge a notch 2 and in its center an aperture 3. The recording surface consists preferably of a sheet 4 secured to the boardby means of fasteners 5.

The board is positioned beside the head 6 of the subject, with the notch 2 receiving the shoulder and the opening 3 receiving the ear and adjacent parts. The board is held firmly in this position against the head by one of the hands of the subject or the worker, as shown in Figure 2. An outline of the profile is then produced on the surface 4 by the marking instrument shown in Figure 5, which will now be described. j l I j This instrument includes abody consistingoftwo separable parts 7 and 8, the former having a flat surface 9. The part 8 is'preferablyofageneral conical configuration and is formed with a threaded stud 10 extending from the base thereof. The stud threads into a tapped recess 11 formed in the surface of the member 7 opposite the bearing surface 9. The member Shas an axial bore 12 extending through the stud 10 for reoeivinga penoil 13 and a spring lt'which tends to move the penciltowards the member 7. In the member .71 is a taperedrecess 15 converging towards thesurface 9 and in'fact forming an aperture in this surface. The recess 15 "is of such size as to permitthe tip or point 16 of. the pencil to pass therethrough and beyondthe face 9, but to restrain the stock of the pencil. A tracing rod or wire 17 in line with the pencil. 13 extends from the apex of the member 8 for a considerable distance and preferably at right angles to the surface 9.

With the board 1 supported as described in connection with Figures 1 and 2, the operatorbrings the bearing surface 9 against the re-' cording surface 4 with sufficient pressureto repel the pen'cil13. The spring 14L however urges the pencil point 16 into contact with the surface 4 and also feeds the pencil towards the surface as the point wears down. The tracing rod 17 is guided along the profile of the subject, and an accurate re rl d-HCt1OI1.IlS:;

assured because of the fact that the rod maintains a constant angletothesurface 4 through the contact of the surfaces 4 and 9.

It is only necessary that the board 1 be maintained in firm contact with the head of the subject, and with this one requirement satisfied, the movements of the head of the sitter will not affect the reproduction, since there is no relative movement between the head and the board. The correct position of the board is satisfactorily and conveniently maintained by the sitter placing thepalm of one hand flatly against the corresponding ear and firmly pressing the board against the head with the fingers of the same hand.

The outline 18 of the profile produced on the surface 4 may be utilized in the making of a silhouette by any means which may be known in the art such as filling in the outline or by providing the rear face of each sheet 4: in black or by having the working face black and using a colored pencil or a sharp marken Although a specific embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various alterations in the details of construction may be made Without departing from the scope of the invention, as indicated by the appended claims.

What I claim is 1, An outlining device comprising a board adapted to be supported by a shoulder of the subjecthaving an aperture adapted to receive an ear of the subject, in combination with a marking instrument including a body having a bearing surface adapted to ride over said board, a marking member passing through said surface, and a tracing rod extending from said body.

2. 'A profiling device for the face comprising a board adapted to be supported by the body of the subject, in combination with a marking instrument comprising a body portion adapted to be held by the handof the op? erator having a bearing surface adapted to ride over said board, a marking member passing through said body and projecting from said surface, and a tracing rod extending from said body perpendicular to said surface and in axial alinement with said marking member.

3. A profiling device for the face comprising a body portion adapted to be held by the hand of the operator having a bearing surface, a marking member passing through said body and projecting from said surface, and a tracing rod extending oppositely from said surface and perpendicular thereto in axial alinement with said marking member.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

STEWART M. WATSON. 

